Pursuit Fall 2015

EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM One Student’s Story HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE Insights From Our Enrollment Director

THE GIFT OF WRITING

From Puzzled to Published

LANDING AN INTERNSHIP

5 Steps to Success

Making it

Possible.

For nothing will be impossible with God. – Luke 1:37 ESV

You are a walking, breathing bundle of possibility.

God created you with a unique set of skills, talents, and gifts.

Part of our work as educators is to help you discover and build upon those gifts—all of that possibility you represent—and amplify them with a Christ-centered education.

When your gifts meet our academic experience, even greater possibility is unleashed in the world.

The caring become skilled nurses.

The artistic become trained performers and producers.

The entrepreneurial become business leaders.

The missional become church pastors and missionaries.

Each of them brings the call of God into their vocations.

We’ve seen it time and time again for over the last 80 years.

At Northwest University, we can’t wait to help you discover and unleash all that you were created to become.

Share Your Pursuits What are you pursuing in life? What sets you apart from others?

We’d like to share your pursuits with the world.

Just use #myNUpursuit and join the community.

Engineered for

Success.

Q How long was your internship at EastWest and what was your role?

What did an average workday look like for you?

A My internship lasted six weeks, and my role was working under the runners (an all-purpose position that supports the studio and is a common industry entry point for aspiring audio engineers) and learning from them. My day involved keeping the daily operations up to the standards of the studio, which were to make everything as perfect as a fivestar hotel. My personal outlook on my day-to-day work was to serve the clients, exceed their expectations, and make everything look and feel like they were the first to use or see everything in the studio.

Q What classes did you take at Northwest that were relevant to your internship and how did they equip you to succeed?

A Every class I took within the Creatio program was relevant to the internship.

They equipped me to succeed by giving me the knowledge needed to be able to do the best job possible. In the recording industry, experience is the most important piece of equipment you can have. Coming out of college with the experience and knowledge I gained in the Creatio program was invaluable, and like with most careers, the second I got into the internship, I learned more with each day. Creatio helped me to build on that knowledge instead of starting from scratch once I graduated.

EastWest Studios is billed as the world’s premiere recording studio. Located in Hollywood, it began in 1960 and has recorded for some of the best names in the entertainment industry—everyone from the Beach Boys to Madonna to Foster the People to Rihanna. NU Creatio student, William Sybertz, was selected for an internship at EastWest and recounts his experience there. ​

Q Was there a faculty member or mentor at NU who encouraged you to pursue this internship or helped you prepare for it?

A Steve Smith single-handedly got me the internship, but all my professors helped prepare me for it. I am so grateful to have Steve as a professor; he believed in me and cheered me on.

Most of what I know and how I was able to do well in the internship was because of him, directly as my professor and indirectly as the director of the Creatio program.

Q What was one unexpected or surprising thing about interning at EastWest?

A The whole experience was surprising.

Working in a commercial studio of EastWest’s caliber was always blowing my mind, from the artists that would come in to the amount of software the studio ships to customers. I was mostly surprised with how perfectly everything was maintained, all the way down to the microphone cables—there is a standard of excellence at a studio like that, that is unlike anything else.

Q Do you have any tips for other students on finding an internship?

A One tip I can give is to pursue an internship; don’t think it will just come to you. If you put in the effort to go after it, there is a greater chance it will happen. Getting to know your professors and showing them you are driven and passionate can only improve your chances.

Q What would you say is the best way to prepare for an internship while you’re in college?

A Learn as much as you can as quickly as you can, because the knowledge and experience you can gain will give you an advantage.

Q We know that in Christ, all things are possible (Luke 1:37). Do you have any encouragement for students who are pursuing a dream or goal that they think is impossible?

A There is no word “impossible”—replace that word with God whenever you think something cannot be done. Pursue your heart’s desires, and if they are in line with God’s will, then you will succeed in them.

But do not be discouraged when your goals or plans turn out to not line up. Just call on God even more through all things.

Q Anything else you’d like to share?

A Throughout college and preparing for internships and next steps, trust in Jesus—period. Live in the freedom you were given. Live everyday with intention and live everyday for other people. God was my strength, and I could not have gotten here without Him.

Interested in learning more about a program with 100 percemt job placement? Go to northwestu.edu/creatio.

William Sybertz (2014) at Creatio studios.

MONEY MAGAZINE RECENTLY SET US APART:

5th Best Place To Live In The U.S.

Our 56-acre campus is located in Kirkland, Washington.

Last year, it was voted by Money Magazine as the 5th best place to live in the U.S. We’re close to recreational opportunities (minutes from Lake Washington), and we’re surrounded by companies that have changed the world. For students who choose NU, this is a great combination. It means lots of opportunity for fun while

you’re here and—even more importantly—excellent opportunities for employment once you graduate.

To see all that Kirkland and Northwest University have to offer, come for a visit. We’d love to show you around.

Sign up at northwestu.edu/friday.

Judah Smith

Leeland

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’LL MEET IN OUR CHAPEL. Chapel is a place where hands are raised, songs are sung, and Jesus reigns. It’s also a place where you’ll hear and meet speakers who will inspire you and help you understand what it means to be a follower of Christ. People like Thi’sl, Judah Smith, Leeland, and our own university president.

To find out more about all the ways we help you to grow spiritually, visit northwestu.edu/nucm.

You can also download podcasts of our chapel services at northwestu.edu/numa/chapel.

Thi’sl

Training Ministry Leaders Since 1934.

Training students for ministry leadership runs deep in our DNA. With a bachelor’s degree in ministry, you can work for a variety of Christian organizations or move directly into one of our graduate programs. No matter which you choose, you’ll find instruction that is biblically sound, professors who will train you well, and a university that is uniquely committed to the Spirit-filled life. If you sense God’s call to ministry, choose a school that can prepare you like few others—from start to finish.

Discover what our College of Ministry offers at northwestu.edu/academics/ministry.

Internships are key for undergraduate students to gain industry experience and get their foot in the door for a potential career. While in an internship, students acquire skills, experience, and letters of recommendation that set them up for success once they graduate.

At NU, over 70 percent of our students are involved in internships.

Here’s what they’ve learned:

know YOURSELF

This is often overlooked and understated, but is vital for the student to understand.

Without a clear understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and personality, you will be unable to interview well or know what direction to pursue. Here at NU’s Career Center, we provide various personality and interest assessments to help you better understand who you are and what gifts you can leverage as you think about choosing a career.

know what you

HAVE TO OFFER

Every individual has unique gifts. It is extremely important to be able to understand and articulate the gifts you have. These God-given gifts can act as signposts to your potential internship saying, “This way.” The more you understand about yourself and your gifts, the more closely you can align them with a potential internship and career.

market YOURSELF

LinkedIn is an effective tool for marketing yourself. People will do research on you, and if you have not set up a LinkedIn profile, it will be evident. You can also attend networking events, on campus and off, to meet with potential internship providers to see if they could be a good fit. And don’t overlook people you already know; they can be invaluable in helping you identify and land an internship.

know THE COMPANY Do your research and prepare for an interview. Do not treat it like a coffee date! This is your chance to shine. What does the company stand for? What is it that you admire most about the company? What problems are they trying to solve for their customers?

How might your skills help them to solve those problems?

fill A NEED If you can describe how your services, experiences, and strengths fill a current need the company possesses, you will have a very good chance of receiving an internship.

Companies aren’t simply looking for nice people; they’re looking for people who can help them succeed. Show how you can help them, and the internship could be yours.

FIND YOUR

Voi

At NU, we have lots of opportunities to find and refine your voice. One of those is called Choralons—a 128-member gospel choir that travels and sings about the freedom found in Christ.

Last year, Choralons sang in local churches, recorded a CD, and travelled to L.A. to work and perform at the Dream Center. Like to sing? We think you’ll find it to be an amazing experience.

You can follow Choralons on Facebook at Northwest Choralons or on Twitter @NUChoralons.

LOSE YOUR

ice

One of the great things about attending NU is cheering for the home team. We love the Seahawks and we love our Eagles.

Whether it’s basketball in the Pavilion, soccer on the Green, or softball on the diamond, we tend to yell, scream, and go a little bonkers in support of our Eagles. Life at NU comes with an occasional case of laryngitis, but we think our teams are worth it.

Learn more about our athletic programs at nueagles.com.

LEARNING ON A GLOBAL SCALE. words and images by Jacob Campbell

At NU, 70 percent of students travel abroad as part of their learning experience. In May of 2015, I went on an international trip to Poland as part of the NU School of Business, where I learned about the country’s economy and culture. Additionally, a handful of friends and I took the opportunity to extend our stay and spend two extra weeks backpacking through Europe. This was an unforgettable trip filled with new experiences, challenges, and lessons I will never forget.

— May 13, 2015 The first morning after we arrived in Warsaw, Poland, I decided to wake up early to wander around the city before our scheduled plans later in the morning. This was slightly scary, but ultimately very freeing.

I was by myself in a foreign country, with no way for anybody to contact me and with no goal but to observe my surroundings. It was completely isolating, and I loved it. This experience allowed me to truly get away from anything that was connected to me and let me be fully immersed where I was.

— May 14, 2015 There is a unique contrast of old and new in Poland. It is full of history and age, but war has forced the country to rebuild and start over in the last 60 years. Poland went from having millions of its people killed and being controlled by the communist party, to being free and having one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It is a beautiful example of brokenness, redemption, and a changed identity.

It was a massive-scale illustration of what the gospel does for all who believe.

— May 15, 2015 We got to visit all sorts of local businesses in Poland, from a t-shirt company to a bank. This was our chance to hear directly from businessmen and women who are affected by the same economy, culture, and government that we’ve been learning about, as a class, leading up to the trip. Learning in the classroom is valuable, but being able to hear directly from these people, combined with experiencing the culture firsthand, helped me understand the concepts at a much deeper level.

One particular presenter shared his stories and photos of him growing up in communist Poland, which was priceless to hear.

— May 18, 2015 Being in a country where a lot of people didn’t speak the same language as myself, I was able to experience how important art is for society. While in Kraków, Poland, two friends and I stumbled upon a Polish music festival and bought last-minute tickets. At this festival, I listened to hours of music with Polish lyrics, but could enjoy it just the same as if they were in English. The beauty of art is that it transcends cultural barriers and can unify people from all over the world. I was amongst thousands of Polish people who didn’t speak the same language as me, yet we were unified by the music we listened to.

— May 20, 2015 After the NU portion of the trip came to a close, a few friends and I, with just our backpacks, embarked on an adventure that would be at times stressful and challenging, but ultimately some of the most fun I can remember. For the next two-and-a-half weeks, we would be traveling by train to explore as many European countries as we could.

— May 23, 2015 Visiting places with different ways of life was really challenging. It forced me to take a step back and think a lot about why things are the way they are in my life and in American culture as a whole. This was very humbling. It reinforced the idea that maybe my method isn’t necessarily the best way.

With this, I hope to consistently open my mind to things that may seem foreign and seek to remain teachable in all areas of my life.

— May 25, 2015 Backpacking through Europe for these two weeks made me feel so small at times. I can often get caught up with the busyness of life and focus too much on what I can offer, but this part of the trip stripped all of that away from me. I had no tasks or work to do, and I wasn’t directly contributing to anything. I was kind of just there. While I felt small, I was challenged to remember that my identity is in being a son of God and to remember what Jesus has offered me: joy and rest, even when I don’t have much to give.

— June 2, 2015 My favorite part about my experience traveling through Europe is that I got to wake up each morning knowing I would see something I have never seen before. Every moment, place, and experience was brand new. At times it was rough, like waking up early and running to the train station with a backpack full of wet laundry. But the feeling of awe and wonder while waiting to experience the next destination always made it worth it. I am extremely grateful for NU’s travel abroad programs, the time I was able to spend in Europe this summer, and all the experiences that went along with it.

For more of Jake’s experience in Europe and to follow his photographic journey, visit jakecampbell.exposure.co.

Lenae Nofziger, Associate Professor, English

THE GIFT OF

Writing

I love watching students realize that things they thought were impossible are not only possible, but easier than they imagined. I see this every semester in my Creative Writing class. Many students come into the class convinced that they don’t like poetry. They can’t understand it, and they certainly can’t write it.

In my Creative Writing classes and in my own writing life, I follow the advice of poet William Stafford, who said, “Lower your standards and keep writing.”

To that end, we do things like writing a poem in 10 minutes or writing a complete short story using only 55 words. The sheer ridiculousness of these assignments lets us off the hook, because it’s outrageous to think anyone could write something good in 10 minutes.

But those 10 minutes go by and, sure enough, we’ve all managed to write a poem.

Not all the poems are good— some of them are hardly even legible—but often there’s a line or an image that buzzes with possibility, and perhaps with a bit more time spent writing, it will grow into something wonderful.

This spring, I taught a new course, Writing for Publication, in which students had to come up with a book proposal. At first, the proposals were vague and confusing, but as students revised and refined, their ideas became vivid and inspiring. The tenor of the class shifted from “publication is an impossible goal” to “I could really do this—and my classmates (and professor) will cheer me on.”

Some students have gone on to submit projects from that class to publishers.

But no matter what happens with publication, the experience of writing is the gift. Writing helps you understand and appreciate literature in a deeper way. Writing helps you sort out your feelings and record things you don’t want to forget. Writing well helps you get and keep almost any job. And writing invites you to make your life larger. You pay more attention.

You look for new options. You add your creative efforts to the efforts of God the Creator, who makes this and all things possible.

“

I absolutely love NU and the professors.

They’re loyal.”

–@ELIZASOIL

“

Thank you Dr. Thomas for reminding us of the fullness of the gospel, and giving us a greater picture of Jesus. #iheartNU” –@NICKSHAFTO

“

The first thing spoken to me on my arrival at NU was ‘welcome home’.

Those words quickly became truth. #iheartNU” –@SARAHCAVINESS

“

When your professor brings your class brownies just because it’s Friday. #iheartNU” –@THELITTLEHEISEL

Follow us @northwestu

“

I realize that this place has become home. I love it here.”

–@CASS.BROWN

“

He was so faithful and good to me this year, providing lifelong friends, so much laughter, memories I will treasure, and lots of growth. I am thankful. #iheartNU” –@ELISECLARE4

A DAY IN THE LIFE Our students have created a new video series that shows what it’s really like to attend NU. The videos are entirely shot and edited by students and give you a candid glimpse into university life. It’s called #PeopleofNU and we invite you to watch and comment at discovernu.com/peopleofnu.

Better yet, if you want to experience for yourself all that NU offers, attend Northwest Friday: northwestu.edu/friday.

THE FOUR A’S SUREFIRE STRATEGIES FOR FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE A ndy H al l, Director of Admissions

Most students wrestle with the answer to the question of what they want to do after college.

Most students wrestle with the question. Ugh. This common conversation piece involves some really big life considerations: career, faith, family, hobbies,

hopes, goals, and dreams. Yet the question is not so much about an unknown someday. Instead, God prepares us in the present. Through the following steps, your journey to campus becomes just as important as life after college.

ATTEND COLLEGE FAIRS.

ASK WHAT’S AVAILABLE.

Kickstart a search by learning about college fairs.

Visit college websites and contact admissions to find out where to connect in person. Heading into a college fair, prepare questions and take notes of what you hear. Later, ask yourself which colleges stood out and why. Be willing to be surprised by a school that resonates with you.

Colleges are unique in terms of mission, size, academics, housing, traditions, scholarships, services, and activities. Additionally, consider if you want to access great churches, jobs, recreation, parks, cultural events, and cafes for studying and hanging out. The campus vibe is all about its mission and location.

ARRANGE A CAMPUS VISIT.

ANTICIPATE NEW EXPERIENCES.

Many schools offer helpful, daylong preview experiences. If an individual visit is more your thing, you can meet with an admissions counselor and tour the campus. Be bold in asking to attend chapel, sit in class, or even meet with faculty in your intended major. During and after your visit, ask yourself, “Can I see myself here?”

The years ahead are a time to stretch, grow, and refine. Explore if colleges provide meaningful community, leadership opportunities, clubs and organizations, and spiritual formation. Look for faculty who are accomplished scholars and staff who are practiced educators. Internships can open extraordinary doors if the college is locally wellconnected.

Andy Hall, Director of Admissions

Each of us are created with unique talents, interests, aspirations, and values. As such, it makes sense to search for a college by focusing on fit.

Use this season as a fun and insightful exploration of what makes you thrive.

Enjoy it! Let your present journey prepare you for the future, step by step.

And if you’d like to experience all that Northwest University offers, why not attend a Northwest Friday? You can sign up at northwestu.edu/friday. Or, plan your individual visit to campus by visiting northwestu.edu/visit.

AREAS OF STUDY Majors & Concentrations

NEW DEGREES = NEW CAREER POSSIBILITIES! One of our main criteria when considering a new major is the hiring outlook—will students find a job with this degree? We recently added two new majors: International Business and Exercise Science. Why these majors? Because business is global, the health field continues to grow, and they offer strong careers at the end of your commencement walk.

Accounting Audio Production* Biblical Languages* Biblical Literature Biology - General Science - Pre-Health - Pre-Medicine - Pre-Vet Business Administration Chemistry* Children & Family Ministries Communication - Drama - Film Studies - Media Studies - Organizational Communication - Public Affairs Contemporary Music Industry - Producer Track - Recording Arts Technology Elementary Education - English - Humanities - Mathematics - Science English - Literature - TESOL - Writing Environmental Science Exercise Science Finance* General Ministry General Studies Health Science (AA) History Intercultural Studies - African Studies - Asia Studies - Cross-Cultural Studies - First Nations Ministry - Latin American Studies

- Middle East

Studies - University Ministry - Urban Ministries Interdisciplinary Studies - Single Area - Multiple-Area - Legal Studies - Political Science International Business Mathematics Management Marketing Media Ministry* Military Science & Leadership* Music Music Education Music Industry Business Music Ministry Nursing Pastoral Care* Pastoral Ministry Political Science Professional Sales* Psychology - Cultural Psychology - Counseling Psychology - Marriage & Family Studies - Organizational Behavior - Research Track Religion & Philosophy Secondary Education - Biology - English & Language Arts - English Language Learners (ELL) - Health & Fitness - Mathematics - Physics - Social Studies - Theatre Arts Youth & Family Ministries

*Minor For a complete list of majors, minors, and concentrations, visit northwestu.edu/programs.

GOOD NEWS! Northwest University is pleased to announce that we’ve significantly increased the award amounts of our academic scholarships. You could qualify for one of these scholarships, depending on your GPA and/or test scores.

Academic Scholarships for Freshmen and Running Start Level Gold Silver Bronze

3.0 GPA + SAT 1840+ 1670–1830 1500–1660

3.0 GPA + ACT 28+ 25–27 22–24

Amount $12,000/yr $10,000/yr $8,000/yr

Academic Scholarships for Transfers Level Gold Silver Bronze

Cumulative GPA 3.6+ 3.3–3.59 3.0–3.29

Amount $10,000/yr $8,000/yr $6,000/yr

Helpful Hints • Apply for financial aid early! Some funds are limited, so financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Be first in line!

• Remember to apply for outside scholarships. Start looking now so that you can apply for scholarships in the fall of your senior year.

• Take the SAT or ACT several times. By improving your score you may qualify for larger scholarships.

• Visit us by February 15 of your senior year and we’ll give you a $500 scholarship.

Check out northwestu.edu/visit to choose the campus visit option that’s best for you!

OUR TOTAL COST IS SMALLER THAN IT APPEARS. Don’t be dissuaded by the numbers. Thanks to our generous financial aid packages, there’s a good chance it will shrink. In some cases, considerably.

It’s why US News and World Report named NU as a top five college for best value.​

98% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID LAST YEAR

AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID AWARDED LAST YEAR: $20,254

43.5% 56.5%

98% Received Aid

Did Not Receive Aid

Average Aid Awarded

Remaining Amount

WHEN IT COMES TO PAYING FOR YOUR EDUCATION, YOU HAVE OPTIONS. Scholarships range from $500 to full tuition: • Presidential and Provost • Academic • Musical Talent • Athletic • NU Success • Visit

Other options: • Work Study • Federal Loans • Private Loans • Interest-Free Payment Plan

Grants range from $400–$8,517: • Pell Grant • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) • Washington State Need Grant • And more!

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PA I D SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 4

P.O. Box 579 Kirkland, WA 98083-0579 ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED

ONE DAY JUST FOR YOU.

We’ve set aside one day to show you what it’s like to be a student at NU. We call it Northwest Friday, and it’s your chance to walk our campus, meet with students, worship in chapel, attend a class, and see for yourself if NU is the right fit for you.

Attend Northwest Friday for a $500 scholarship.

Register by going to northwestu.edu/friday.

@northwestu

@northwestu

facebook.com/northwestu youtube.com/northwestuniversity

discovernu.com/possible 800.669.3781 admissions@northwestu.edu